FOR the June meeting members of the Norton Fitzwarren Garden Club were given an entertaining talk with slides by the guest speaker Dr Pat Hill Cottingham on the subject of good and bad animals and insects in the garden. Dandelions are a pollination source for bees, burdock and nettles attract butterflies. Hoverflies which are very beneficial come with the early flowering spring plants. Although aphids are detested by most gardeners, the urge to spray with chemicals should be resisted as they are a good source for ladybirds and lace wings. Similarly slug pellets should be avoided as slugs and snails form an important part of birds and hedgehogs diets.

Slowworms and grass snakes are to be encouraged as is the humble earthworm. Black/red, yellow/black are the warning colours in the insect kingdom. Foreign predators to look out for are Colorado beetles, Harleyquin ladybirds and the New Zealand flat worm.

To conclude the talk Dr Hill Cottingham displayed two charts to illustrate the natural food chain, which is man, animals and plants and the part they play in the delicate balance of nature in all our gardens.

The vote of thanks was given by Mr Don Stansbury.

The chairman Michael Hawkins reminded members of the A.G.M which is being held at the Royal Oak, Hillcommon.